White House says no veto of defense bill
DONNA CASSATA, Associated Press Updated 12:43 p.m., Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., ranking Republican on the Senate Armed Services, left, speaks during a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2011, to announce an effort to replace the defense sequester mandated as a result of the Supercommittee's failure. From left are, McCain, Senate Minority Whip Jon Kyl of Ariz., and Senate Armed Services Committee members, Sen. Kelly Ayotte, R-N.H., and Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C. Photo: J. Scott Applewhite / AP
Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., ranking Republican on the Senate Armed...
WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House says senior officials will not recommend that President Barack Obama veto the defense bill awaiting passage in Congress.
A White House statement says changes by congressional negotiators would not challenge or restrict the president's ability to collect intelligence or incapacitate terrorists.
The White House had threatened a veto over provisions requiring military custody of suspected terrorists linked to al-Qaida.
The $662 billion defense bill would authorize money for military personnel, weapons systems, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and national security programs in the Energy Department.
The House and Senate are expected to pass the measure Wednesday.
|
